An Austrian man is facing terrorism charges over an alleged plan to attack a 2024 concert by Taylor Swift in Vienna. Prosecutors say the suspect, identified as Beran A, was 21 at the time of his arrest and played a central role in the planned assault.
Authorities claim he joined the extremist group Islamic State and spread its propaganda online. They also accuse him of building explosives and trying to buy weapons illegally. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
CIA Tip Led to Arrest Before Vienna Shows
Police arrested Beran A after receiving a tip from the Central Intelligence Agency. The warning came shortly before Taylor Swift was due to perform three sold out shows at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
Organizers cancelled the concerts due to the security threat. More than 195,000 fans had planned to attend the three nights.
Swift later described the cancellations as heartbreaking. However, she said she felt grateful to authorities because their actions likely saved lives.
Explosives and Alleged IS Links
According to the Vienna prosecutor’s office, Beran A received online instructions on how to build a shrapnel bomb. Investigators say he worked with triacetone triperoxide, commonly known as TATP, a powerful and unstable explosive.
Prosecutors argue that this type of device matches methods often linked to IS attacks. They also claim he contacted IS members online to seek advice about carrying out a bombing.
Officials believe the suspects wanted to cause mass casualties among concertgoers.
Earlier Dubai Plot Under Investigation
Investigators also allege that Beran A planned an earlier attack in Dubai in March 2024. Reports at the time suggested a coordinated plan involving three separate IS attacks.
Authorities say he abandoned the Dubai plan at the last minute. They continue to examine whether the Vienna plot formed part of a broader extremist strategy.
Other Arrests and Sentencing
In total, police arrested three teenagers in connection with the case in 2024. All were under 18 at the time.
A German court later sentenced a 16 year old Syrian national, identified as Mohamed A, to an 18 month suspended sentence under juvenile law. The court did not send him to prison.
Beran A remains the main suspect in the Vienna case. He has not publicly responded to the latest charges.
